SPANISH FORT, Ala. — When Laura Smith was called in for a second interview at Spanish Fort Elementary School this summer, the recent graduate held her breath.

But nothing prepared her for being offered a job teaching fifth grade when she arrived.

“I wish I could have seen my own face. I was absolutely elated to be asked to teach in a place where students love coming to school and learning. It’s just wonderful to be in a community where everybody backs you and wants to do anything they can to help you succeed,” Smith said.

Then she met her students, and knew her expectations were more than wishful thinking.

Editor’s Note: New jobs often bring challenges, but in educational settings they can also present opportunities for new arrivals to infuse schools with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.

This is the third in an ongoing series designed to introduce readers to some new faces in the Spanish Fort feeder pattern.

See the rest of this story in the Sept. 3 Spanish Fort Sun.